Home painting projects can give new life to tired interior décor and can create a fresh new look for every room of your house. By choosing complementary shades and colors, you can achieve an exciting interior design plan that suits your lifestyle and your aesthetic preferences perfectly. Managing the clean-up process after the job is done, however, can be significantly less exciting than the initial transformation process. Here are five expert tips and tricks designed to help you clean up plastic paint trays and brushes more quickly after your home improvement project.
Look for a Silver Lining
Many interior design specialists recommend lining your plastic paint trays with aluminum foil before filling them with paint and beginning the application process. This can prevent paint from sticking to trays and can allow you simply to lift and toss the lining after your project is done. For decorating schemes that require more than one color, using a tinfoil lining can allow more rapid paint changes and can ensure faster completion of your project.
Stick to Latex and Acrylic
Oil-based paints can damage plastic paint trays and should generally be avoided for most painting applications. Sticking with acrylic and latex paints can ensure that plastic trays stay pristine and ready for use time after time. Allowing these paints to dry completely in the plastic tray can result in faster cleaning. In most cases, the layer of dried paint can simply be peeled off and discarded, leaving the plastic paint tray ready for further use. If any remnants of latex or acrylic paint remain on the tray, they can usually be removed quickly and easily with a small amount of dish soap and a few swipes with a scrub sponge.
Dispose of the Evidence
Disposable paint trays are a low-cost way to streamline clean-up for your remodeling and home improvement activities. Although these trays are less sturdy and durable than their non-disposable counterparts, they cost less and require no storage or cleaning after use; instead, you can simply toss these inexpensive paint trays in the trash after your painting project is complete. By investing a small amount in these disposable items, you can save a considerable amount of time and effort during your clean-up efforts.
Choose the Right Tools
Double-well paint trays are ideal for edging and trim painting projects. One well can be used to hold paint, and the other can serve as a convenient resting spot for the brush when it is not in use. This can reduce the likelihood of paint spatters and unexpected spills. Plastic paint roller trays, drip mats and other tools can protect your flooring and furniture while ensuring faster clean-up for you and your family.
Repurpose Plastic Products
Pet place mats can sometimes be used as a substitute for paint mats and can catch any errant drips or spills. After use, the paint spots can be scrubbed away or scraped off to restore the mat to its former pristine condition. Clear plant saucers can be used to blend two or more paint colors and to provide convenient containers for smaller amounts of paint. Smaller saucers are ideal for younger members of the family work crew and can allow them to participate in the painting process more effectively. Be sure to choose appropriately sized brushes for these small containers to minimize the risk of accidental spills and other mishaps.
By incorporating these five strategies into your next home redecorating project, you can enjoy added convenience and reduced paint clean-up time. Choosing complementary colors and integrating a common theme throughout your home can help you achieve the most striking results and can ensure the success of your ongoing painting, remodeling and renovation efforts.